Reflection - Deception

http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/011518.cfm
1 Samuel 15:16-23
Mark 2:18-22

There are times when I find it hard to determine whether my dog is extraordinarily smart or just plain stupid. A recurring incident which most clearly exemplifies the reason for my head-scratching follows upon his tendency to wander beyond his designated boundaries. If he’s fairly close and not feeling too cantankerous I can usually just call him back. However, if he’s in one of his moods, and is far enough away, and there are trees In his immediate vicinity, I have sometimes observed a peculiar response to my call. He looks at me, notes that I can see him and moves so as to be hidden by the trees. As I asked before: is he extraordinarily smart or just plain stupid?

I’ve never seen my dog take this game of concealment beyond that opening act. My young grandson is a different story. In just the last couple months we’ve begun to play peek-a-boo. His favorite does not involve the use of a towel or blanket. Rather, it’s the one where a piece of furniture, like the sofa, becomes the means of hiding one’s presence; and we can surprise one another by appearing at one end of the couch or the other.

Hidden among the Scripture verses for the day is one that might be thought of as ‘sheltered’. It is an abbreviated text from Hebrews. It is not meant to be concealed; it is “hidden” only in the sense that it is overshadowed by the longer readings and it is not found where one would normally focus attention when reflecting on the day’s Scripture. It is the day’s alleluia verse and the more extended text, though still abbreviated, goes like this: 

For the word of God is living and active, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden, but all are open and laid bare to the eyes of him with whom we have to do. (Hebrews 4:12-14)

This short verse from Hebrews reminds me of many things; but there were a particular three which wandered through my thoughts. The first of my mental notations was a recollection of the words of Jesus:

Let what you say be simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything more than this comes from the Evil One. (Matthew 5:37) There is nothing hidden, except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret, except to come to light. (Mark 4:22)

Secrets in my relationship with God are absurd; in fact, they are true oxymorons. God, above all, is capable of discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And before him no creature is hidden, but all are open and laid bare.

The second is the implied difference between ourselves and God. Psalm fifty-five spells out the human situation when the poet says of his disingenuous companion: His speech was smoother than butter, yet war was in his heart; his words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords. (Psalm 55:21)

It is easy to slip into a pattern of concealing our true feelings or our true motivations — possibly because we have a personal agenda, possibly because we don’t want to reveal our true selves, possibly because of what we want others to think of us, or possibly because we just don’t think it prudent in the current situation. The contrast between our words and the word of God is itself a revelation. All the words of [God] are righteous; there is nothing twisted or crooked in them. (Proverbs 8:8-9)

Every word of God proves true. (Proverbs 30:5) The word of our God will stand for ever. (Isaiah 40:8) The word of the LORD is upright. (Psalm 33:4)

The reading from Samuel makes it clear that Saul did not understand this aspect of his relationship with God. When Samuel points out how he failed to follow the Lord’s command we hear him making excuses: ‘We only retained the spoils of battle so we could make a sacrifice to God.’ A few verses after our present text we find this admission from Saul: “I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.” Saul should have known better— and so should I. Excuses may easily be nothing more than words of self-deception. Self-deception is a hard habit to break. Moreover, excuses may be counter-productive when spiritual matters are in question, since is capable of discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. So I find it necessary to be cautious when answering such questions as: Why don’t I spend more time in prayer?

Why don’t I study God’s word? What is the truth behind my lack of spiritual growth? 

Jesus then said to the Jews who had believed in him, "If you continue in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free." (John 8:31-32)